When skin hunger hits me and I’m on my own, I get a massage or a mani-pedi. It’s not the same as a special someone, but it helps. I also hug my friends — I have asked for hugs, specifically. You have inherent worth and you do deserve happiness, regardless of whether anyone in your proximity is telling you that. ?

Ah yes. I call it “chronic skin malnutrition”. It’s a thing. ?

Awww I think we all feel like this sometimes. Do something nice for yourself. Go for a nice walk, take a long scented bath and light a few candles ,eat something that's not on your diet or whatever you think indulges your senses. Be good to yourself.

Guess we all need a great big group hug ?

As part of the stuff I learned in collidge, I read a study about the social behavior of monkeys. They depend very much on their family and friends. When a monkey was taken away from his group and put into a cage by himself, within three days he began to go psychotic. They depend on their group to stay happy and healthy. Okay, so we are not much more than highly-evolved monkeys. (Although, sometimes I question the word "highly" in that description.) Bottom line is that lack of close association and intimacy tends to make us go nuts. And I can feel it. I'm getting pretty nuts myself.

We all need this, know it and reaching out is a hard thing to do. Is there friends in your life that you can reach out to, that would give you that hug, or cuddle with you? When I was first divorced and feeling this, I took a dance class, not the same as true intimacy but the touch you get from partner dancing helped a lot. Big hug.

Phone calls sometimes help.. not a cuddle but its better than texting.

I believe it is important for most of us.

Hugs

Hugs. Do you have any pets? I suggest a Pomeranian. They never let you down.

Well, you certainly have friends here. Hug

I do too.

Me too!! If it weren't for my kids and grands I'd be a goner.

Yearning longing to be held is most human of you, you are not alone. Knowing we are all worthwhile and deserving happiness I empathize. Possibilities are boundless, we are free to be

First lets start by saying YOU are a worthwhile person. I would say to you that you do not need someone to reaffirm that to you but I totally understand what you are saying. I spent 8 in my first relationship without any intimacy and six in my last. I think if you don't crave close contact then you must have a pretty cold heart. Hang in there I am sure you will find it sooner later and hopefully I to will find it because being lonely SUCKS

I feel your pain

Yes only way to be how I feel

wha is root of your problem?

If you want to be happy, there are so many things inside you and in the world you can draw happiness from. Other than having a physical relationship with another person or persons, thinking that you need someone is not very productive. Often people stay waiting for others forever. The less dependencies on others, the better off you will be.

Wish I could hold you, stroke your hair, and tell you everything is going to be OK. You are a worthwhile person who deserves happiness. I also miss physical touch, for 19 years. I am dissatisfied for 19 years, but essentially happy now as my health is OK and improving because I"m losing weight. I was unhappy for over five years because of horrible neuropathic pain, which no pain killer helped. Now, I'm pain free.

The happiness part is up to you, except on the rare occasion of a tragedy, from which you should recover, considering your youthful age. When you expect happiness from someone, it is fleeting; that someone will someday disappoint you.

Science says that you can force a smile, and you will become happier. When you are an empty nester, you are free to do things you couldn't do with children to take care of. Enjoy yourself, and good things are more likely to happen. Do something exciting, sky diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, anything that entails a bit of danger and excitement, but if you are really into bird watching, stamp collecting, or sewing, go for it.

We are a highly intelligent species. There’s twenty-six million of us needing tactile functionality. WTF. Reach out and touch somebody. Group hug.

Only one thing I can say - Ditto !! ???

I think we all do from time to time. Perhaps its time to take up a new hobby, class, or activity? Then you can meet somebody while doing or learning to do something you both enjoy.